The Giver

Title- The Giver

Author- Lois Lowry

ISBN -0385732554

Publication Information- Delacourte, 2006

 

Plot Summary- Jonas lives in the perfect world. He has two loving parents and a sister. He and his friends are rapidly approaching the Ceremony of Twelve, where each child is assigned the job they will do for the rest of their lives. In order to help the Elders decide which job is best, the children cycle through a series of places to see where they fit best. At the ceremony, Jonas is given the position of Receiver of Memory, a rare and dangerous job. Only one person in the community is allowed to hold it, the Giver, and Jonas quickly understands why. All the memories associated with emotion are telepathically given to him- sadness, happiness, love, beauty, adventure, etc. Jonas is also able to see color for the first time. As he continues, he realizes that the community he lives in is devoid of all of these feelings- controlled to avoid them because they cause problems. People's lives are strictly controlled from their birth to death. When a baby, Gabe, is brought to his home for a short time because he cannot sleep peacefully with the other children, Jonas realizes that he must leave. Jonas knows that Gabe is to be "released" or euthanized soon and cannot stand to see that happen. The Giver also agrees that he should go.

Critical Evaluation- This is a wonderful and touching novel. Lowry sets up a world that seems pleasant enough until a little detail is revealed here and there. It is not until Jonas is with the Giver that the reader discovers the full nature of this society. There are scenes of great beauty and great horror almost back to back. The characters are all caring individuals who do their best in the world. No one is overtly cruel, but the nature of the society is emotionless at the same time and therein lays the horror. The Giver is a traditional benevolent guide figure and Jonas. The story, however, feels so alien in many respects that it is hard to take in completely on a single read. Thematically, the value of freedom and choice become clear as one reads. None of the characters except the Giver are allowed this ability and even he is clearly resentful of the society in which he lives. Choice, as Jonas discovers, is worth risking everything, including your life.

 

Reader's Annotation- Wouldn't it be nice to live in a perfect world? A world with no pain or suffering? How about no freedom?

Author Information- Lowry did not publish her first book until the age of 40, but has still managed to write over 30 novels since then. Many of her books deal with similar themes, the intertwining nature of humanity- how we all affect each other daily. As such, her novels have earned her high acclaims and severe criticism and censorship. Because she married young to a military man, she was unable to finish her degree until late in life after all their moving had settled down. Her story is inspiring to anyone who has a dream deferred.

Curricular Ties- English

Genre- Science Fiction, Dystopian

Book talking ideas- Does Jonas survive? Is a society with no suffering worth abdicating your freedom?

Challenge issues- violence, sex- though not explicit but still very intense

1. Re-read the text to familiarize myself with the story
   
2. Ask parents for their specific objections (they are required to file that with our school district)
   
3. Review approved books list from California Department of Education for similar materials
   
4. Review approaches from ALA
   

Interest Age- 13-18

Why I selected this piece-.I have taught this with freshmen who find it very appealing. Many of my seniors cite this as one of their favorite reads in high school.